Medusa Coils

Fiercely defending, bravely exploring Goddess and spiritual feminisms

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Buzz Coil: November 2012

A look at some posts of interest from our blogroll and sometimes beyond:Hearth Moon Rising's blog: Beginning with a quote from Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Hearth Moon Rising's Nov. 16 insightful post, "How to Create a Patriarchal Pagan Group in 12 Steps," explores the difficulties of creating a Goddess group that is free of patriarchal bias. She writes:"Variations on the idea that 'What we’re trying to do is really hard' predominate when we talk about the patriarchal climate that develops in spiritual groups which start out with the intention of fully honoring the Great Mother."She goes on to examine the roots of this problem and suggest how (not) to deal with it.

Hail Columbia: Blogger Literata, who was recently recognized as clergy in Arlington Virginia, reflects on her experience in her Oct. 31 post, "Further thoughts on being recognized as clergy," such as: "The tremendous variations across Virginia in terms of clergy recognition are first and foremost a matter of different bureaucracies coming up with different rules. Those variations can pose a serious burden to non-traditional religions in some areas, including Arlington. Making small changes in the bureaucracy is part of the long work of getting our civil rights assured in practice, in everyday life, until it becomes unremarkable to be Wiccan."This is just part of a post that is important reading for anyone seeking recognition as clergy or whose group seeks status as a "church."

HecateDemeter: Blogger Hecate's Nov. 16 post, "What Modern Wiccan Theology Doesn’t Care About," proposes that"one large difference between Wicca and many other religions is that modern (at least) Wicca doesn’t look to separate people out into groups."She observes that "Early Wicca...fell a bit into the trap. Thus, the insistence that one had been initiated into a coven with a lineage all the way back to the Bronze Age." However, she believes that modern Wicca has departed from this view and associated practices. She asks if you agree with this assessment.

My Village Witch: In her Nov. 6 Post, "A Day in the Garden," Byron Ballard tells how a group of women's studies students from a nearby college help her in a garden she tends on behalf of Mother Grove Goddess Temple in Asheville NC. She writes that after the weeding and leaf-raking they have discussed the "feminine divine" and the Gaia hypothesis.

Dirt Worship: Starhawk's Nov. 7 post, "Now That the Election Is Over..." begins:"I wake this morning with a profound sense of gratitude." She goes on to discuss why she is grateful and then gives some deep thought to answering these questions: "What does an Obama victory mean for progressives, greens, anarchists and radicals far, far to his left? To those folks who couldn’t morally bring themselves to vote for Obama, or possibly even to vote at all? Who grew furious at me for urging people to get to the polls and admitting that I voted for him?"Works of Literata: In her Nov. 6 post, "Voting and Columbia," blogger Literata discusses how voting resembles a sacred act, and characterizes the Goddess Columbia as embodying, among other qualities, the separation of church and state.

In a Nov. 21 post, "Thank You, Goddess," Barbara Ardinger writes:
"Please don’t think I think the Goddess is a big fat woman wearing a
crown and sitting on a big fat throne up in the sky and sending little
goddessettes and superheros and superheras down to earth to chase
editing clients to me, puff my lungs full of oxygen, and carefully
arrange that I sit next to nice folks at the theater or find places to
park when I need them."Although Ardinger admits that it's hard to describe what/who Goddess is, in this post she does clarify many aspects of this thealogical quandary in her signature humorous way.

In a Nov. 18 post, "Death Of A Priestess,"Geraldine Charles describes how people of the Glastonbury Goddess Temple marked the passing of one of its priestesses, Koko, including a funeral procession and a ceremony in the Town Hall.
Ivy Helman's Nov. 11 post, "Building A Bridge Toward the Future: Will You Meet Me in the Middle?" is a response to a comment by President Obama in his recent acceptance speech and investigates the difficulties of "the intersection of feminism, religion and politics" in the U.S.

Return to Mago:This blog frequently has guest posts by people other than its main blogger, Helen Hwang.

In a 2-part series, Mary Ann Ghuffurian (aka MAG) introduces herself and her work in Part 1 posted on Nov. 21, and in Part 2, posted Nov. 26, discusses her methodogy, specifically applying it to the main focus of this blog. MAG writes:"Magoism is a new word to the modern Western vocabulary, yet it has its linguistic roots in many parts of the globe and in an ancient knowledge and know-how almost lost. Dr Helen Hwang determinedly and methodically is excavating the little-understood historical Mother-Goddess knowledge of Korea, and its traditions, the Mago, and Magoism, and in doing so is unlocking another previously invisible door, and replacing another ripped-off corner of the global map of significant, almost-lost tradition and forgotten knowledge."Judith Shaw's Nov. 23 post, "Why Are We Drawn to the Black Madonna," discusses and shows in photographs some of the many versions of this Goddess. In a Nov. 19 post, "Stone-Raising Spinners," Max Dashu discusses a variety of European megalithic monuments. With photos.In her Nov. 12 post, "Goddess as Love,"Carol P. Christ tells what her mother's death taught her about the Goddess.

Pagan Square:This blog has posts from people on a variety of Pagan paths. In her Nov. 20 post, "The Initiation," blogger Amarfa, who is majoring in music in college, explains why she is starting a website whose basis is "that Classical Music is more Pagan than anyone truly realizes at this point in time...." In this post, she gives as an example, Claude Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun." In her Nov. 12 post, "On Hekate,"Rebecca Buchanan describes this Goddess as "complicated," gives background about her, and a recommends a substantial number of books and other reading material to help you learn more.In a Nov. 17 post, "The Way We Say Goodbye," that begins with a photo of a candle dedicated to Patricia Monaghan surrounded by other candles, Byron Ballardfirst tells of a death of another Irish American, discusses general issues about"what happens when a Pagan dies--what shape the rites can take, what grave goods and music we can reasonably bring to a funeral that may include family members of the beloved dead who are still Presbyterians or Baptists or observant Jews," and describes her group's memorial service for Monaghan. In a previous post that begins with a photography of Brigid altar at the 2010 conference of the Association for the Study of Women and Mythology, Ballard tells how she and her group celebrate Samhain, and how through the year she keeps a list of those who have passed to be read at the Samhain ritual and after the ritual sets it aside. She continues in her Nov. 11 post, "The Terrible Season of Samhain,": "Today Patricia Monaghan--beloved teacher, writer, wiseass and friend--died. She has gone across the crystal water, secure in her perfect ship, to the Land of Young, to blessed Tir Nan Og.I have located a nice sheet of paper and am grieved to put her name at the top of this Year's Samhain list."

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Memorial services for Patricia Monaghan

Today I received the following news (and permission to publish it here) from Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary about the memorial for her longtime friend, colleague and neighbor, Patricia Monaghan:
On Saturday, December 1, 2012 memorial services will be held in Wisconsin to celebrate the life, works, and legacy of scholar, poet, spiritual practitioner and leader, and social activist Patricia Monaghan (1946-2012) who died from cancer on Sunday, November 11. Michael McDermott, her husband, invites you to remember, honor and continue the work of Patricia.

Patricia carried on to the end on her work including the paperback version of the new Goddesses and Heroines; her book Brigit, Sun of Womanhood, co-edited with Michael; a new book of poetry linking her love of her Wisconsin with her Ireland; strengthening the Black Earth Institute (BEI) and the Association for the Study of Women and Mythology (ASWM). These two organizations were important in building structures for the future. BEI was formed to have artists address the causes of inclusive spirituality, healing the earth and promoting social justice. ASWM was formed to increase the level and promotion of scholarship for goddess studies and women's mythical and legendary history.

Local food in all its facets was her other recent passion. Developing our home Brigit Rest as a center was yet another revealed. And the list can go on and on.

MEMORIAL EVENTS
On the morning of December 1, a Quaker Memorial Service will be held from 11 am - Noon at the Friends Meeting House of the Madison Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), 1704 Roberts Court in Madison, located behind the Associated Bank building near the intersection of Monroe Street and Spooner Avenue. This service is open to those of many faiths and philosophies. Some parking is available next to the building and on nearby streets. For more directions: http://www.madisonfriends.org There is no need to RSVP to attend the Quaker Memorial Service.

In the afternoon, a Land-based Memorial Ceremony & Ashes Interment facilitated by Ruth Barrett will be held at 2 pm at Brigit Rest, the home of Patricia and her husband in the countryside near Black Earth. This ceremony will be held outdoors at a dedicated Ancestors' Grove where of some of Patricia's ashes will be placed under a tree recently picked out by Patricia and Michael.

Please bring a dish of already prepared food for the potluck reception table. If possible, bring a folding chair suitable for use outdoors and inside to use as seating, and if available, bring several to loan to others unable to bring their own. Please dress appropriate for the weather. Please do not bring dogs or other companion creatures. Parking is available along the driveway and nearby country roads.

Space is limited for this afternoon ceremony and must be reserved in advance. Please RSVP as soon as possible and before November 30 to reserve a place and to receive the address and directions. Include the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of all coming with you to Michael McDermott through blackearthinstitute.wordpress.com/

More information about Patricia is on-line at her website:http://www.patricia-monaghan.com Donations may be made in her name to the Black Earth Institute, PO Box 424, Black Earth, WI 53515.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Events Coil: Nov. 21-Dec. 31

As far we know, all events we list are open functions; but some may be limited to women or to adults and some may require that you notify them that you plan to attend. Please check the websites for group policies. If no country is given, the event is in USA. All times local. Times for computer/Internet/Web events are given for the place of origin unless otherwise noted. Events lasting more than 1 day are bolded. When listing events for the same date we try to list those that occur first, taking into account time zone differences. If there is a difference between our listings and the listings on the link, assume their web page is correct as details may have changed since we listed from it. Ongoing events and events that occur on a regular day each month or week are listed after the dated events. If you have an event you want listed, please leave info as a comment. See the end of this Coil for what info we need for listings.[Updated Dec. 2, Dec. 12, Dec. 16]Nov.21, 7:30 p.m. Goddess Contemplative Group, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLANDNov. 22, time tba, Orphans' Thanksgiving, Maetreum of Cybele, Palenville NYNov.24, Noon Ceremonial Healing Day, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLANDNov. 24, time tba, Full Moon Circle, Grove of Artemis (CAYA), Berkeley CA

We would be happy to add your Goddess and spiritual feminist events (and those you know about that are open to the public) no matter where in the world they are. Please leave a comment giving: Name of event, sponsoring organization (if any), town, state (if in US), country (if outside of US) time (if known) , and required: url of website where person can get more info (no pdf pages, no password-protected pages). Do NOT give street addresses, phone numbers or email addresses. People should go to the website for that info.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Message from Patricia Monaghan's Husband, Michael McDermott

The following is from Michael McDermott, the late Patricia Monaghan's spouse. He has asked it be
distributed widely. I learned of this on a mailing list I'm on and received permission to reprint it here. The "informal ceremony" mentioned in the next to last paragraph has already taken place. However, the "formal ceremony" and Quaker Service announced in the last paragraph will take place on Dec. 1 in Wisconsin. Brigit Rest is Patricia and Michael's farm near Black Earth, Wisconsin.From Michael McDermott:I am devastated by the loss of my beloved wife and partner in all things, Patricia. I am also filled with gratitude and love for all the wonderful things said about Patricia. She has left our lives and yet she will live long. There is a huge hollow in me and in the life and all the things that Patricia and I did and will do.She traveled a journey with cancer these last 2 years. It was a journey of hope and disappointment. It was a journey that included her work, whether it was finishing the paperback version of Goddesses and Heroines, how to strengthen the Black Earth Institute, the decorating scheme for the Wisconsin house after we moved from Chicago, or how to control the temperature in the new root cellar.She was concerned that we had not yet put the dried beans from the garden. On Friday evening we were working on editing a manuscript until 11:30 at night.She died at home in my arms on Sunday morning at 3:45 AM.She didn't like to be called brave though she was. She didn't at all like being called a force of nature but she was. She didn't like it when people said, "How can you do so much?", but she "did" from morn 'till night. W would work hard all day on many things and then say, "Well at least we got a little but done."Patricia was a scholar, artist, spiritual practitioner and leader and political activist. She was a gardener and literally a path creator. One of my favorite memories is of her pulling our large honey suckle bushes in the wet spring soil to create a path in our woods. This creation she carried into all things, whether leading us to the goddess, to a land ethic or to the struggle for a more just society.There will be an informal get together at Brigit Rest this Saturday from 2 PM to 7 PM. More like a potluck where in addition to covered dishes bring memories or mementos of Patricia. (Bring the covered dish, deserts and libations as well.)A formal ceremony will be held on Saturday December 1 at Brigit Rest as well. There will be a service at the Madison meeting hall of the Society of Friends (Quakers) likely the same day.Let us all honor Patricia for all the things she was and will be.Michael McDermott

Monday, November 12, 2012

Prayer Hour for Patricia Monaghan

The following is by Kathleen Jenks of the Black Earth Institute, and is used with her permission here:

For those interested, Patricia's BlackEarth Institute community started a 9 pm EST prayer-hour for Patricia and her beloved husband, Michael, on Saturday night....One group of BlackEarthers even built a roaring bonfire to honor Patricia's "light," letting it burn right down to the embers so that no energy was wasted that she might need.

We didn't learned til noonish Sunday that she'd died in Michael's arms, taking her last breath at 3:45am Sunday morning.... The bonfire people hoped they'd contributed extra energy to Patricia for her passing -- and I'm sure they did....She was such a powerful, wise, amazingly sensate force of nature! It seemed impossible that she'd be leaving so soon. She even has 4 more books coming out in the near future!

Anyway, the 9 pm (EST) prayer hour will continue for a number of days for both Patricia and Michael. If you'd like to join-in, there's no need to notify anyone or sign up. Some (like me) light candles, others read aloud passages to her from her books, or just talk, sing old Irish songs, pray, light bonfires, whatever.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Passing of Patricia Monaghan

updated 11/12/12, 10:45 a.m. It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the death in the early morning of Nov. 11 of Goddess scholar, author, poet, and novelist, Patricia Monaghan. She died of cancer. I consider myself fortunate to have met and interacted with Dr. Monaghan online and I know that many in the Goddess community consider her a friend and mentor. Among her books are The Goddess Path, The Red-Haired Girl from the Bog, O Mother Sun! A New View of the Cosmic Feminine, Goddesses in World Culture, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Myth and Folklore, The Encyclopedia of Goddesses and Heroines, Meditation (co-authored with Eleanor Vierek), the novel Alaska by Heart, Recipes of Independence by Sarah Pagen. Her book of poetry, Homefront, was awarded the Pushcart Prize for Literature in 2004. Her other poetry included Winterburning, Seasons of the Witch, and Dancing with Chaos. Dr. Monaghan was professor of interdisciplinary studies at De Paul University in Chicago. With her husband, Michael McDermott MD, she was co-founder of the Black Earth Institute and senior fellow there.Born in Brooklyn NY in 1946, she moved to Colorado and then Alaska with her family. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, an MFA in creative writing from the University of Alaska, and a PhD in interdisciplinary studies (science and literature) from Union Institute in Cincinnati. May she rest in the arms of the Goddess and be renewed.

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